Malawi Parliamentary Caucus on Freedom of Religion or Belief Launched in Lilongwe
The African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), an African not-for-profit organisation based in Ghana and dedicated to building the capacity of African Parliaments, has urged members of the parliamentary the newly launched Caucus on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Malawi to rededicate their efforts in promoting and protecting human rights, especially rights that relate to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) at the national and constituency levels in Malawi.
ACEPA, with support from its partners – the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB), the Freedom of Religion or Belief Leadership Network (FoRBLN), and African Parliamentarians Network for Human Rights (AfriPAHR) organised the launch of the Caucus in Lilongwe, Malawi on April 12th, 2023. Present at the launch were core members of the parliamentary Caucus on FoRB
In his welcome remarks, the Chair of the newly launched Caucus – Hon. Dr Ephraim Abel Kayembe – noted that the Caucus intends to adopt an inclusive approach of FORB issues in Malawi so that, it can be entrenched in legislation. He said, the Caucus will work to bring on board all majority and minority religions in order to promote peace, harmony and respect for religious and human rights of Malawians. The membership will also expand beyond the core members present as this will help reach out to people at the grassroots.
The Executive Director of ACEPA, Dr Rasheed Draman, in his welcome remarks noted that ACEPA and its partners firmly believe that the respect for freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental prerequisite for the advancement of peace and stability in the world. The right of every citizen to practice or not to practice any religion or belief is at the heart of democracy. It is the foundation of our shared humanity. These beliefs, he noted, are the driving force behind the efforts of ACEPA and its partners to engage with Parliaments, Faith Leaders and Civil Society Organizations around the world. He observed that what was witnessed today was remarkable because Malawi is the third country to launch its Parliamentary Caucus on FORB after The Gambia and Sierra Leone. This feat, according to Dr. Draman, is a testimony of religious tolerance in Malawi and that, respect for human rights is a key indicator of any country’s democratic credentials. He assured members of the Caucus gathered at the launch that ACEPA and its partners will continue to travel with them on this journey of nurturing and maintaining religious and belief tolerance in Malawi. He also extended his sincere thanks to the Rt. Hon. Speaker for allowing the launch to take place, and hoped that membership will be broadened and that the Caucus will eventually get the support of Parliament for its activities.
The Deputy Minister for Health and MP for Dowa South East, Hon. Halima Alima Daud was elated that members of the Caucus responded to participate in the launch and that, it shows their level of commitment and responsibility to this noble cause. Hon. Halima thanked IPPFORB and ACEPA for their continued support to the work of the Caucus and to the promotion of human rights in Malawi.
The highlight of the launch of the Caucus was the signing of the Lilongwe Charter for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Hon. Deputy Minister and MP Dowa South East, Hon Halima Alima Daud officially launched the Caucus followed by all participants present signing the Charter and committing themselves to:
- Promote freedom of religion or belief for all persons through their work and respective institutions.
- Enhance global cooperation by endeavouring to work across geographical, political religious lines.
- Undertake efforts to jointly promote freedom of religion or belief, share information, and mobilize effective responses.
- Support appropriate initiatives that advance freedom of religion or belief for women and young people;
- Identify and support future parliamentarians and faith leaders who show a commitment to freedom of religion or belief.
Source: Contributor
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